Puppies need three basic things to thrive: good nutrition, warmth, and companionship. Puppies need to eat three to four times a day from weaning until they are about six months old. After that, they can be fed twice a day until they reach maturity, and then once a day. However, many dog owners, especially with larger breeds, feed their dog twice a day throughout their life (this does not mean feeding more than required, but it is a more balanced approach to feeding).

Puppies need twice the energy and nutrients of an adult dog to grow normally from weaning until they reach about half their expected weight as an adult. Puppies should grow evenly each week, but should not have excess belly fat. Puppies grow best if they remain within a healthy weight range, but are not obese. Overweight puppies can be susceptible to serious bone disease if they are too heavy during the critical months of growth. On the other hand, underfeeding will result in slow growth and energy deficiency.

Adult dogs burn fewer calories than puppies or young active adults. Therefore, they need to eat less to maintain optimal weight and activity.

Dogs that work need additional nutrients. For example, sled dogs require a much higher calorie diet, with a fat, protein, and carbohydrate ratio that is very different from that of sedentary dogs. Owners may need to experiment with different types of food to determine which one works best for their pets.

There are three main types of commercially produced dog food: canned, dry, and semi-moist. Most contain corn, wheat, barley, rice, or soy flour, either in combination or separately. Commercial dog foods also contain meat, such as beef, lamb, chicken, liver, or organ meats. It is important to read labels to determine the proportions of each ingredient, as well as the amount of protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, and minerals they contain.

Sleep is almost as important as nutrition for puppies. They need a warm, quiet place to rest to grow properly. Puppies will often play vigorously and then suddenly fall asleep. Their need for sleep decreases as they get older, but dogs will spend most of their time sleeping when they are not being stimulated.

All dogs need exercise, some more than others. Achieving good health and a healthy temperament requires that dogs have access to regular, stimulating exercise. Puppies should be allowed to run freely, without restriction or intimidation. As dogs mature, jogging or leash walking can be introduced, but any forced exercise should be avoided until the dog is fully grown. The most common cause of destructive behavior in dogs in the house is lack of exercise. Behavior problems such as tail chasing, chewing, and excessive barking and whining can often be traced back to prolonged periods of confinement without respite. The ability to provide adequate exercise is one of the most important considerations for potential dog owners before acquiring a puppy. However, exercise does not mean that a dog should run free. Dogs should be supervised at all times when outdoors, and should either be accompanied by their owners on a leash or have a securely fenced play area. Having a pet means that dogs need company. They are happiest when they are allowed to be an integral part of the home. Puppies thrive and learn when they are included in the home from an early age. Training becomes easier when the unique bond between human and dog is strengthened from the start.